Marsi E. Archer

This document outlines Missouri Southern State University's expanded mission: 'Explore Boldly. Care Deeply. Impact Globally.' The mission is built upon three foundational pillars: immersive learning, health and life sciences, and global education. The strategic direction focuses on enabling students to shape ideas through doing, fostering a career in helping others, and expanding perspectives through global experiences. The plan emphasizes purposeful growth that extends beyond the campus into studios, hospitals, conference rooms, and communities statewide and globally.

This document outlines the Faculty Senate's three strategic priorities for the 2025-26 academic year. The key focus areas include encouraging broader faculty engagement for shared ownership, assessing and reducing bureaucratic barriers through a collaborative audit, and improving communication between faculty leadership and faculty to build trust and ensure timely updates. The overarching goal is to foster collaborative relationships, support academic excellence, ensure institutional transparency, and enhance the vitality of the university community.

The report covered various institutional updates. Key items included Senator Roy Blunt's visit to the new Roy Blunt Health Science Innovation Center, the announcement of the 2025-2026 Willcoxon Scholars, and the high media coverage following the celebration of Missouri Southern's new statewide mission. Updates were provided on Missouri Coordinating Board of Higher Education recommendations for the FY2027 budget, including a request for a 4% core budget increase. Operational discussions included doubling campus internet bandwidth to 2 Gbps for digital transformation support and the completion of the annual financial statement audit, which resulted in a clean audit with no findings. Construction progress on the Roy Blunt Health Science Innovation Center and the Leggett & Platt Athletic Center bleacher installation was noted. Furthermore, updates on the Lions Forward fundraising campaign showed 95% of the $42.7 million goal achieved as of October 2025. Recruitment efforts focused on stabilizing freshman enrollment and expanding out-of-state recruitment, alongside efforts to reframe the university brand and integrate yield strategies with financial wellness initiatives. The report also highlighted successful community outreach, including the 'Trick or Treat So Others Can Eat' food drive and MSSU hosting the NCAA Division II Central Region Cross Country Championships.

The meeting included an update on the Nursing Program, detailing improvements and achievements since 2020, including full accreditations and high pass and employment rates. The President's report highlighted federal advocacy efforts, recognized employees with Superior Service Awards, and outlined upcoming events and initiatives for 2025. The Executive Vice President discussed the Lions Forward Campaign, construction updates on the Roy Blunt Health Science Innovation Center and Leggett & Platt Center renovations, and legislative relations. The Provost reported on academic affairs, including innovative recruitment strategies, the Artful Medicine Symposium, and the Law Enforcement Academy class. The Chief Financial Officer presented the FY 2026 budget and financial statements, and addressed changes related to the Fair Labor Standards Act and minimum wage. Additional reports covered admissions and enrollment, athletic achievements, faculty senate activities, staff senate projects, and student perspectives. The board also approved academic calendars for 2026-2028, faculty sabbaticals, and a standardized course fee for graduate level courses.

The meeting addressed financial matters, including a review of cash flow, assets, and liabilities, and the impact of COVID-19 on revenue and expenses. Discussions covered the residence hall project, trail project with the City of Joplin, and updates from the Director of Athletics. There were reports on fundraising, admissions, and digital marketing, as well as academic affairs, including the implementation of an alternative grading scale due to the pandemic. The board also discussed student affairs, CARES Act funding, and updates from the Faculty Senate, Staff Senate, and Student Senate. Additionally, the board approved faculty promotions and tenure, tuition rates for FY2021, and the Lion Share Distribution Policy. Updates were provided on the presidential search, and the meeting concluded with a closed executive session.